Bottled Water Demand Soars as Floods Cripple Pumping Stations

 Due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions and widespread flooding across the island, water supply has been severely disrupted in many areas, creating drinking water issues even in regions unaffected by floods. In light of this uncertain situation, there has been a high demand from consumers for purified drinking water, leading to a rapid increase in the sale of bottled water in the market, including supermarkets, it is reported.

Mr. Chandana Bandara, Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, stated that several water sources and purification centers belonging to the Board are currently submerged. He pointed out that due to these floods, it has become impossible to operate the water pumps at these centers.

The Chairman stated that especially in the Kandy District, water purification centers and pumping stations are completely submerged, and it will take some time to restore them and resume water supply once the water levels recede. Additionally, water supply to the Kegalle and Mawanella areas has also been disrupted, and water pumping stations in the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces are reportedly completely submerged.

While there has been no direct disruption to the water supply in the Western Province so far, there is a risk of operations at the Ambatale water treatment plant being affected due to changes in the Kelani River's water level. The Water Supply Board emphasizes that if issues arise with the plant's functionality, it could disrupt water supply to Colombo city. The Chairman further stated that every effort is being made to control this situation and maintain the water supply.